The government has decided to extend the relief package on loan granted to the tourism industry for another nine months to protect the tourism industry in the face of the Covid challenge, said Minister  of Tourism,Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga.  The relevant circular was issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on the 13^th September.  The moratorium on payment of loans obtained for the tourism sector was due to expire on the 30th of this month.

The Minister, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga says that Minister of Finance, Hon. Basil Rajapaksa has taken the necessary steps in this regard on the instructions of H.E.the President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister, Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa.  Tourism has now resumed in many parts of the world.  The tourism industry in Sri Lanka has also resumed and is gradually recovering.  Nearly 45,000 tourists have visited the country in the recent past.  The Minister said that the tourism industry in the country is expected to grow significantly in the next three months and around 5,000 tourists are expected to visit the country daily next year.

In the past, the government has provided various relief measures to those in the tourism sector who have been affected by the Covid -19 pandemic.  Those engaged in the tourism sector were provided with loan relief package, moratorium on payment of electricity and water bills, leasing instalments as well as an allowance of Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 20,000 each for registered tourist drivers and guides of the Tourism Development Authority.  The government did all these to protect those engaged in the tourism industry.  Tourism has been badly affected by the Covid pandemic.  It is a fact that the government strongly acknowledges that those who work in the field must be protected, if it is to be rebuilt.  Accordingly, steps have been taken to extend the moratorium, said Minister, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga.

The circular on extension of the moratorium, issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has been issued commercial banks.  The first circular was issued in August last year.  Various stakeholders in the tourism sector have requested the government to extend the moratorium for another six months.  However, considering the current situation, the government has taken steps to extend it for another nine months, said Minister, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga.  Mr. Ranatunga also said that the extension of the moratorium for another nine months was a step taken to protect those working in the sector and that taking steps to do so would reflect the Government's commitment to develop the tourism sector.